[Niceguy43]

#1060754

I was diagnosed with Graves’ disease two years ago and was put on atd methimazole 20mg. I have recently increased it to 30 mg. I have started having palpitations and tremors. I have read a lot of posts stating that most people are iodine deficient and have cured Graves’ disease with high doses of iodine. I done a “skin test” with iodine tincture and determined I was deficient. However every time I start taking a low dose of iodine my thyroid symptoms get worse. When I tell people they say it’s a temporary side effect to get better. Does anyone have any experience supplementing with iodide? I am getting a lot of advise but none from people who actually have thyroid problems. Thank you for any feedback!!

[Ellen_B]

#1184556

Hello and welcome,
I myself have not been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. However when tested my thyroid hormone is if anything on the high side but still normal. Eventually I may become hyperthyroid as my mother did very late in life. I can only give you information on what I have heard and read.
I would not say that most people in the USA who eat well are iodine deficient. Since most people in the USA have a well-balanced diet it is very unlikely that they would be iodine deficient. The daily requirement of iodine is 150 mcg of iodine. It is possible to get that amount in two grams (possibly half a teaspoon) of iodized salt. There is however a danger of taking too much iodine. Large quantities of iodine can actually cause the autoimmune thyroid disease (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism). Kelp has large quantities of iodine. Some people think they are iodine deficient go on a kelp kick and consume large amounts.
The thyroid needs iodine to make its thyroid hormone. Since you are hyperthyroid and your thyroid is already putting out too much thyroid hormone, consuming extra iodine could only encourage increased thyroid hormone production.
There are populations in the world that do not have the needed iodine in their diet. These people develop hypothyroidism and goiters—a condition which is preventable by adding iodine to their diet.
I have not been able to find information about whether the iodine test with the tincture of iodine is a reliable test. There may be a more reliable test using urine.
It may take a week or more for your increased dose of methimazole to be effective. In any event it is best to let your doctor know about your present symptoms.
I wish you the very best.

[flora]

#1184557

Hi and welcome to the forum – you’ll find lots of help and good information here. Your question caught my eye, because I was raised on the coast in the Canadian Maritimes (my father was lobster fisherman), and like most people in the area, we consumed lots of fresh caught shellfish (lobster, scallops, clams) growing up – and instead of potato chips, our treat is “dulse” – a kind of kelp that is picked off rocks at low tide then dried to a salty crisp – and I still love (and miss) it. Although there is increased salt in that diet, I’m not sure about actual increased iodine content. “Just in case”, I now limit myself to a few shellfish treats a year, and only the odd handful of dulse (sigh) now and then. Your doctor can help guide you on this one. All the very best to you.

flora
(I have edited out reference to an anecdotal observation, in keeping with science-based information that this forum strives to provide).

[emmtee]

#1184558

When I was first diagnosed with Graves’, a well-meaning relative suggested that I take an iodine supplement. It didn’t make sense to me, but I asked my endo about it. She said that, for me, taking an iodine supplement would be like throwing gasoline on a fire. My high levels of T4 and T3 were evidence that I was getting plenty of iodine from my diet – even more than my body needed. Note that I don’t like fish (a high iodine food), and that at the time, the salt in my cupboard was non-iodized. Even so, I got plenty of iodine from other foods.

I had never heard of a skin test for iodine deficiency, so I Googled it. The first search result gave instructions, but stressed that they did not believe that it was accurate. I honestly don’t see how it could be. I think you should listen to what your body is telling you: When you increase your iodine, your symptoms get worse.

You mention that you recently increased your dose of methimazole. It can take a few weeks for the new dose to show any improvement. Be patient and keep going to your doctor. Good luck.

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